Rational

Coral reefs are highly diverse, highly productive ecosystems. They are able to support huge, intricate food webs, from tiny microorganisms that live within and build the reef, to top level predators, thereby supporting a high biomass. In so doing, coral reefs contribute an estimated US$ 375 billion annually, in terms of their value to the biosphere. Coral reefs also provide a wealth of functions, ecological services and goods to people in coastal areas, including food security for millions of people in coastal communities. As a result, they are considered “one of the essential global life support systems necessary for food production, health and other aspects of human survival and sustainable development” (UNEP/IUCN 1988).

Owing to their valuable resources, coral reefs support vast fisheries in many parts of the world. However, as the global human population continues to rise, particularly in coastal areas, harvesting effort on coral reefs is increasing at an unsustainable rate. In addition, coral reefs face severe threat from climate related sea temperature rise and ocean acidification. Consequently, many coral species face a high risk of extinction. By 2008, an estimated 19% of the world’s coral reefs had already been ‘effectively lost’, meaning that they are comprised of few live corals, and have been seriously overfished, with few large predators and algal grazing fish. A further 15% is thought to be in a ‘critical’ state, and may become ‘effectively lost’ within the next two decades, while 20% is considered to be in a ‘threatened’ state, with potential loss in the next 20 to 40 years.

Globally coral reefs are in serious trouble, yet we depend on them as an integral part of our survival on earth.

Coral Reefs of East Africa

The coral reefs of East
Africa contribute significantly to coastal productivity in the south Western
Indian Ocean. These reefs have long provided valuable resources for coastal
communities, including a rich source of food and foreign currency generation
through tourism, and a large number of people depend on these resources for
their livelihoods. Coral reefs support an estimated 7 million people in coastal
communities in Mozambique, as well as major artisanal fisheries and tourism
industries in Tanzania and Kenya. However, East Africa’s coral
reefs have suffered high levels of bleaching and are under severe threat, with
some of the greatest proportions of “critical stage” coral reefs worldwide. Overfishing
and destructive fishing can have detrimental impacts on coral reef ecosystems.
Major ecological impacts can occur through overfishing, such as changes in
community structure where the removal of algal grazers can result in coral
communities being replaced by algae.
Destructive fishing practices, such as blast fishing and netting, can
have devastating effects on the fish community and on the coral reef itself.
These activities have resulted in severe reductions in biomass (sizes and
numbers) and changes in fish community structure in this region.

When coral reefs die, the fish communities that support millions of people become depleted.

Devastated coral reefs do not support the fish biomass required for sustainability.

Coral reef health is essential to our health and the health of the oceans.

We don’t have the data to understand ecosystem changes

Despite the high value and
high level of dependence on these resources, little scientific work has focused
on quantitative assessment of the effects of human activities on these coral
reefs, and the magnitudes and effects of such impacts remain largely
quantified. Furthermore, fisheries management efforts in East African countries
are hindered by a lack of accurate catch data, and monitoring and assessments
of coral reefs are often based on data collected on small geographic areas that
are not representative of the entire
region. This needs to change and is why the African Marine MegaTransect Expedition is such a vital initiative in the region.

The ramifications of decimated coral reefs will have serious social consequences. Despite this fact we don't know much about the rate at which East Africa's coral reefs are being destroyed.

Fishing communities rely on the integrity of marine resources, it is an essential part of life, something we can't afford to ignore.

International Importance

According to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the following targets are to be met:

(14.1) By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds.

(14.4) By 2020, minimize impacts of ocean acidification at all levels through scientific cooperation.

(14.5) By 2020, Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, based on best available scientific information.

(14.B) Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity in order to improve ocean health.

(14.C) Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources.

Ocean Warriors

Watch the trailer of the new series Ocean Warriors, where Mike Markovina and JD Kotze work with the Tanzanian Multi-Agency Task Team (MATT) to fight blast fishing activities. The series highlights the devastation the coral reefs in Tanzania are facing. The African Marine MegaTransect is imperative in quantifying this destruction and to find solutions to save it.

From Executive Producers Robert Redford and Paul Allen, Animal Planet premieres OCEAN WARRIORS, a gripping new series that propels viewers to the edge of a vast frontier and a battle critical to Earth’s survival. Impossible to control or police, the oceans that cover three fifths of the globe and border 146 countries are home to a new breed of outlaw mercenaries who threaten not just marine life but the entire planet. A six-part series, OCEAN WARRIORS features unlikely heroes with a passion for justice as they track down these criminals in high-adrenaline missions, and premieres Sunday, Dec. 4 with back to back episodes at 9pm and 10pm ET/PT, continuing on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18.

Each fast-paced episode of OCEAN WARRIORS puts the offenders in the sights of dedicated activists, scientists and investigators who put their lives on the line every day to stop those who are wreaking havoc on our oceans, from Tanzania to Thailand to Antarctica and beyond. Series episodes will include Enforcement, Who’s the Bad Guy, Engage the Enemy, Truth and Lies, Life and Death and Perseverance.